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What were the Ten Classics of Mathematics in China?

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East Asian mathematics Counting boards and markers, or counting rods, were used in China to solve systems of linear equations. This is an example from the 1st century ce.

The "Ten Classics of Mathematics" (Shibu suanjing) is a collection of ancient Chinese mathematical texts that served as the official curriculum for training officials in the imperial office of mathematics.1

The collection was compiled in the 7th century by a group led by the imperial mathematician and astronomer Li Chunfeng. These works were essential for preserving mathematical knowledge, including arithmetic, algebraic, and geometric algorithms, and they provided the foundation for much of the mathematical development in East Asia.12

Key features of the collection include:
* Canonical Status: The works were used in the Chinese civil examination system, which contributed to their survival.1
* Foundational Content: The collection includes The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art, the most important work in Chinese mathematical history, and the astronomical treatise Zhoubi ("The Gnomon of the Zhou").1
* Evolution of Algorithms: Other included texts, such as Sunzi suanjing ("Sunzi’s Mathematical Classic") and Zhang Qiujian suanjing ("Zhang Qiujian’s Mathematical Classic"), introduced advanced descriptions for square root and cube root extraction, as well as early research into congruence problems.2